4 Ways Google is Investing in the Black Community

May of 2020 was another tumultuous time in America. In the wake of the police murder of George Floyd, the nation experienced its most recent social unrest. The period was commemorated by nationwide protests focused on bringing light to Black inequality in America. Our television screens showed U.S. citizens taking to the streets, proclaiming 'Black Lives Matter'. A fact the country has seemingly ignored time and time again.

During this time, many acknowledged that systemic racism remains a barrier that prevents African-Americans from achieving the American dream in equal employment, fair housing and wealth attainment. With some major companies in the U.S. promising to do their part.

Tech giant, Google, is one of those at the forefront of this initiative. By pledging $50 million over the next 5 years in projects aimed at increasing the involvement of Blacks in the IT sector.

The investment, part of Google's larger attempt, will address under-representation of African-Americans in technology.

Here are 4 ways the company has committed to easing these barriers and improving the lives of Blacks in America.

Google Digital Garage

he technology company offers over 150 digital skills training courses and certificate programs for free through their Learn with Google program. By providing skills training that can be used to advance your career or business, Google, hopes to help reduce the 'digital divide' that exists between underserved communities and Silicon Valley.

Build Your Future - Generation Google Scholarship

The scholarship program provides $10,000 to aspiring students who are focused on careers in computer technology. The scholarship is available to all students who meet the minimum qualifications. However, Google, encourages minorities and those in underserved communities to apply.

Black Founders Fund

The Google Start-Ups initiative provides $100,000 in capital and hands-on support to Black-owned startups to grow their business and help it succeed.

Diversity Supplier Program

The Google Diversity Supplier Program began with a 2020 pledge to spend $1Billion with diverse-owned suppliers and $100million with U.S. Black-owned suppliers. The 2022 program has been expanded, globally, with an increased commitment to spend of $2.5Billion with diverse suppliers.

This artical is for informational purposes only. Each Google sponsored programs has it's own requirements and benefits.